When the cube and the things together
Are equal to some discrete number,                 [x³+ax = b]
Find two other numbers differing in this one       [u-v = b]
Then you will keep this as a habit
That their product should always be equal
Exactly to the cube of a third of the things.       [uv = (a/3)³]
The remainder then as a general rule
Of their cube roots subtracted
Will be equal to your principal thing.                   [x = ³Ö{u}-³Ö{v}]
In the second of these acts,
When the cube remains alone                               [x³ = ax+b]
You will observe these other agreements:
You will at once divide the number into two parts       [b = u+v]
So that the one times the other produces clearly
The cube of a third of the things exactly.                   [uv = (a/3)³]
Then of these two parts, as a habitual rule,
You will take the cube roots added together,
And this sum will be your thought.                         [x = ³Ö{u}+³Ö{v}]
The third of these calculations of ours                   [x³+b = ax]
Is solved with the second if you take good care,
As in their nature they are almost matched.
These things I found, and not with sluggish steps,
In the year one thousand five hundred, four and thirty
With foundations strong and sturdy
In the city girdled by the sea.

Niccolò Tartaglia